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People who score high in neuroticism, the Big Five trait linked to worry, had about three times the odds of high anxiety in a new analysis of 10 studies1. The link between neuroticism and anxiety held in samples from the U.S., Europe and Asia, pooling the answers of 84,721 adults with an average age of 57.5.
The findingHow Strong Is the Link Between Neuroticism and Anxiety?
Strong and consistent. The odds ratio for neuroticism was 3.006, meaning people higher in the trait had about three times the odds of high anxiety.
The other four Big Five traits pointed the other way. Each went with lower odds of high anxiety:
| Trait | Odds ratio | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroticism | 3.006 | About 3 times the odds |
| Extraversion | 0.72 | About 28% lower odds |
| Conscientiousness | 0.71 | About 29% lower odds |
| Openness | 0.85 | About 15% lower odds |
| Agreeableness | 0.85 | About 15% lower odds |
The links for neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness were slightly stronger in men. Age made little difference, and so did the way each study was run. You can see where you sit on all five traits with our Big Five test.
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It scores all five traits in 10–15 minutes. Free to take · Free summary · Full report optional.
Why it's newWhat Makes This Study Different?
Earlier reviews pooled published averages, mostly from younger people and clinical samples. This team, led by Yannick Stephan at the University of Montpellier, worked with each participant's own answers instead.
The authors describe it as the first individual-participant meta-analysis of personality and anxiety focused on the general adult population. It includes middle-aged and older adults as well as younger ones, aged 16 to 104 in total. That makes it one of the strongest kinds of evidence a question like this can get.
What it meansWhat Should You Do With a High Neuroticism Score?
Treat it as useful self-knowledge, not a label. The authors suggest neuroticism may be a risk factor for high anxiety, while extraversion and conscientiousness may play a protective role.
High neuroticism means worry comes easily, not that anxiety is certain. Knowing your score can help you notice stress early and plan for it. If worry gets in the way of your daily life, a doctor or mental health professional is the right person to talk to.
Want the wider picture? Our personality test shows your type, and the 16 personality type guides explain how each type handles stress. You can also check your social energy with the introvert or extrovert test.
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QuestionsNeuroticism and Anxiety: FAQ
Does neuroticism cause anxiety?
This study can't say. It found a strong, repeated link: people high in neuroticism had about three times the odds of high anxiety. It doesn't show which comes first.
Which personality traits are linked to lower anxiety?
Extraversion and conscientiousness went with about 28 to 29% lower odds of high anxiety. Openness and agreeableness went with about 15% lower odds.
Can neuroticism change?
Trait scores tend to be fairly stable, but they can shift slowly over the years. This study did not test ways to change them.
SourcesThe Study and Our Sources
- Stephan, Y., Sutin, A. R., Luchetti, M., Karakose, S., & Terracciano, A. (2026). Personality traits and anxiety: An individual participant meta-analysis of ten studies. Psychiatry Research, 367, 117518. DOI 10.1016/j.psychres.2026.117518
